UPSC Current Affairs — Friday, 11 September 2026

3 UPSC-relevant topics from Indian Express · With MCQs, Mains questions & concept explanations

GovernanceInternational RelationsPolitySocial Issues

Indian ExpressInternational RelationsPolityRelevance 8/10

The challenges for BRICS in a changing world order

Relevant to GS Paper 2 (International Relations) - discusses BRICS organization, India's role in multilateral forums, and global geopolitical dynamics.

UPSC Relevance

This article is relevant for UPSC GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Economy), covering topics like global governance, multilateral groupings, and India's foreign policy.

What You Need to Know

BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—formed to promote cooperation and global economic governance. In 2024, it expanded to include new members like Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia, representing about 45% of the world's population and 25% of global GDP.

Why It Matters for UPSC

BRICS provides a platform for India to balance Western dominance in global institutions and promote South-South cooperation. Its expansion and internal dynamics affect India's strategic autonomy and economic diplomacy, crucial for shaping a multipolar world order.

Background

BRIC was coined in 2001 by Jim O'Neill; the first summit was in 2009. South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS. Key initiatives include the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). India hosted the 2012 and 2016 summits, and the 2021 summit under India's chairship focused on reform of multilateral institutions.

Current Relevance

The 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, discussed expansion and global economic challenges, with India emphasizing its commitment. India's participation balances its ties with the West and the Global South, especially amid geopolitical tensions like the Ukraine war and China's assertiveness.

Key Points for Revision

•BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and others, increasing its share to 45% of global population and 25% of GDP.
•India has invested in BRICS institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB), with authorized capital of $100 billion, to fund infrastructure projects.
•The 2021 New Delhi Summit under India's chairship emphasized reform of multilateral institutions and counter-terrorism cooperation.
•BRICS faces faultlines over expansion and geopolitics, with members adopting pragmatic approaches on trade, investment, and currency cooperation.
•India's strategic interest lies in using BRICS to promote South-South cooperation and a multipolar world order while maintaining autonomy.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding BRICS: 1. The New Development Bank (NDB) was established by BRICS in 2014. 2. BRICS expanded its membership in 2024 to include Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia. 3. The 2021 BRICS Summit was hosted by India. Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

All statements are accurate: NDB was founded in 2014, BRICS expanded in 2024, and India hosted the 2021 summit. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q2. With reference to the BRICS grouping, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. BRICS accounts for more than 40% of the world's population. 2. The Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) is a financial safety net for BRICS countries. 3. India is the largest contributor to the New Development Bank's capital. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Statements 1 and 2 are correct; BRICS has over 40% of world population and CRA is a financial safety net. Statement 3 is wrong as China contributes the most to NDB. Hence, (b).

Q3. The term 'BRICS' was coined by which economist?

(a) Amartya Sen

(b) Jim O'Neill

(d) Raghuram Rajan

Jim O'Neill, then at Goldman Sachs, coined the acronym 'BRIC' in 2001, which later became BRICS with South Africa's inclusion. Hence, (b).

Mains Practice Questions

Discuss the challenges and opportunities for BRICS in the changing world order. How can India leverage its membership in BRICS to advance its strategic interests? (250 words)
Discuss
Analyse the significance of the 2024 BRICS expansion for global governance and India's role in shaping the grouping's agenda. (150 words)
Analyse

Indian ExpressPolityGovernanceSocial IssuesRelevance 8/10

Manipur's demand for a 1951 baseline for NRC: Why the date is contentious

Relevant to GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance) - discusses National Register of Citizens, citizenship issues, and state-level political concerns about immigration and demographic changes.

UPSC Relevance

This topic is relevant for UPSC GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity) and GS Paper III (Internal Security) as it deals with citizenship, NRC, and migration issues.

What You Need to Know

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a register containing names of all genuine Indian citizens. The demand for a 1951 baseline in Manipur means using the 1951 National Register of Citizens as the cut-off date for determining citizenship, which would exclude those who migrated after 1951.

Why It Matters for UPSC

It affects the citizenship status of millions, impacts demographic balance, and has implications for national security and social harmony. For the exam, it tests understanding of citizenship laws, migration, and governance challenges.

Background

The NRC was first prepared in 1951 after the Census. In Assam, the NRC update used 1971 as the baseline as per the Assam Accord of 1985. Manipur's demand for 1951 is rooted in concerns over illegal migration from Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Current Relevance

Manipur has recently demanded a 1951 baseline for NRC, sparking political debate. This comes amid ethnic tensions and concerns over illegal migration from Myanmar. The central government has not yet taken a decision, but the demand reflects broader anxieties about demographic changes.

Key Points for Revision

•Manipur demands 1951 as the baseline for NRC, while Assam uses 1971.
•The 1951 NRC was prepared after the 1951 Census and includes names of citizens.
•The demand is driven by concerns over illegal migration from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
•The issue is politically sensitive and linked to ethnic tensions in Manipur.
•The Citizenship Act, 1955 and Assam Accord, 1985 provide the legal framework for NRC.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC): 1. The first NRC was prepared in 1951 after the Census. 2. The NRC update in Assam used 1971 as the baseline. 3. Manipur has demanded a 1951 baseline for NRC. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

All three statements are factually correct. The first NRC was in 1951, Assam's NRC used 1971, and Manipur demands 1951.

Q2. The demand for a 1951 baseline for NRC in Manipur is primarily driven by:

(a) Concerns over illegal migration from Myanmar

(b) Demand for greater autonomy

(d) Lack of development in the state

Manipur's demand is rooted in concerns about illegal migration from Myanmar and the resulting demographic changes.

Q3. Which of the following is the correct chronological order of the following events? 1. Assam Accord 2. First NRC preparation 3. Demand for 1951 baseline in Manipur

(a) 1-2-3

(b) 2-1-3

(d) 2-3-1

The first NRC was prepared in 1951, the Assam Accord was signed in 1985, and Manipur's demand for a 1951 baseline is a recent development.

Mains Practice Questions

Discuss the contentious issue of the baseline year for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in India, with special reference to Manipur's demand for a 1951 baseline. (250 words)
Discuss
Analyze the implications of the demand for a 1951 baseline for NRC in Manipur on India's internal security and federal structure. (250 words)
Analyze

Indian ExpressInternational RelationsPolityGovernanceRelevance 8/10

Xi will attend BRICS summit, hold bilateral talks with Modi

Directly relevant to UPSC Mains GS-II (International Relations) covering India-China bilateral relations, BRICS cooperation, and regional geopolitics. Important for understanding India's foreign policy and regional diplomacy.

UPSC Relevance

This article is relevant for UPSC GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Economy), covering India-China bilateral relations, BRICS summit, and regional diplomacy.

What You Need to Know

The BRICS summit is a annual meeting of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to enhance economic cooperation. The 2016 summit in New Delhi focused on economic ties and regional issues.

Why It Matters for UPSC

India-China bilateral talks are crucial for regional stability and trade, impacting India's foreign policy and economic growth. BRICS represents 42% of world population and 24% of global GDP, offering a platform for emerging economies.

Background

BRICS was formed in 2006, with South Africa joining in 2010. India-China relations have been marked by border tensions, including the 1962 war and recent Doklam standoff, but diplomatic and economic ties persist.

Current Relevance

The 2016 BRICS summit in New Delhi included bilateral talks between Xi and Modi, discussing regional consensus from Astana. This is significant for India's Act East Policy and trade relations amid ongoing border disputes.

Key Points for Revision

•BRICS 2016 summit held in New Delhi on September 9-11, with Xi Jinping attending.
•India-China bilateral talks focused on reviewing ties and regional consensus from Astana meeting.
•BRICS nations account for 42% of world population and 24% of global GDP.
•India-China trade relations are significant but marred by border disputes and trade imbalances.
•The summit aimed to strengthen economic cooperation among BRICS countries.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding BRICS: 1. BRICS is a grouping of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. 2. The 2016 BRICS summit was held in New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The 2016 summit was indeed held in New Delhi, making both statements correct.

Q2. The Astana meeting, often mentioned in the context of India-China relations, is associated with which of the following?

(a) Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

(b) BRICS

(d) East Asia Summit

The Astana meeting refers to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, where India and China discussed regional issues.

Q3. Which of the following best describes the nature of India-China trade relations?

(a) Balanced trade with no disputes

(b) Significant trade with border disputes

(d) Trade only through multilateral forums

India and China have significant trade relations, but they are characterized by ongoing border disputes and trade imbalances.

Mains Practice Questions

Discuss the significance of the BRICS summit in India's foreign policy and its implications for India-China bilateral relations. (250 words)
Discuss
Analyse the impact of China's participation in BRICS on India's strategic interests. (150 words)
Analyse

Get today's edition + AI Mains answer evaluation — free to try.

IAS Neuron

Analyse any article yourself — free, no card needed.

Paste a URL or text — get GS paper mapping, concept explanation, MCQs, and a Mains answer framework in 30 seconds.

Try IAS Neuron Free →

No credit card · Takes 30 seconds to sign up